Old State House (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Museum Historic state capitol building housing exhibits and offices
Downtown Little Rock’s Old State House served as Arkansas’s territorial and early state capitol; its Greek Revival building now houses museum exhibits on state history. Visitors come for architecture, political history and nearby River Market district.
The Old State House in Little Rock is a 19th-century state government building in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, that served as the state’s capitol before a later capitol complex was built. It is preserved and interpreted as a historic building and museum.
The building’s principal attractions are its restored interior spaces and exhibits on Arkansas political and social history, which present period furnishings and displays about state government. Tours and exhibits explain the building’s role in state politics and civic life.
Constructed in the early 1830s, the structure served as Arkansas’s principal state government building during the 19th century and remained in governmental use into the early 20th century before being replaced by a newer capitol. The building has been preserved and adapted for museum use.
Located in downtown Little Rock, the Old State House sits within the city’s civic core and is accessible from the central business district and nearby River Market area.
- Current use: Operates today as a history museum interpreting Arkansas state government and local history, with period rooms and changing exhibitions.
How to Get to Old State House (Little Rock, Arkansas) #
The Old State House is in downtown Little Rock on West Markham Street near the Arkansas River. It’s a short walk from the River Market district and has nearby public parking. Amtrak serves Little Rock with nearby access; local buses and taxis service the downtown area.
Tips for Visiting Old State House (Little Rock, Arkansas) #
- Walk the brick sidewalks around the building to see the historic markers and plaques that recount Arkansas's political fights
- Check timed tours for access to the legislative chambers and preserved period rooms
- Visit during a legislative recess or on a scheduled museum day to avoid institutional closures
Best Time to Visit Old State House (Little Rock, Arkansas) #
Spring and fall are best for comfortable walking and combining visits to the Old State House with Little Rock's riverfront attractions.
Weather & Climate near Old State House (Little Rock, Arkansas) #
Old State House (Little Rock, Arkansas)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1310 mm/year), wettest in April.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
